Strong in Persecution

Photo by Stephen Walker on Unsplash

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: 

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10

Blessed (loved and favored by God) are they (the ones) which are persecuted (pursued with continued acts of hostility)  for righteousness' sake (because of a heart right with God, faith in God, and actions pleasing to God) for theirs is the kingdom (royal power and dignity) of heaven (eternal and consummately perfect region where God dwells). 

I was perking right along feeling great about everything until I got to this last beatitude. God could have ended with the peacemakers and I would have been just fine. 

God never candy coats the truth. He never tells us only what we want to hear. He prepares us for real life, the good and the bad. 

He does, however, make sure we trust Him, are assured of His love, and have faith in His character rather than overwhelmed by our circumstances.

Look at the promises He has made us through the previous seven verses.

• Righteousness given to us when we believe in Jesus. Matthew 5:3
• Comfort in our sadness. Matthew 5:4
• A glorious inheritance. Matthew 5:5
• Perfect satisfaction when we crave Him. Matthew 5:6
• Mercy when we are merciful. Matthew 5:7
• God's peace when we bring peace to others.  Matthew 5:8
• His presence and fellowship when we accept Jesus as our Savior. Matthew 5:9

How does the idea of persecution sound now?

When we are persecuted, we can stand on our righteousness through Christ, be comforted in any circumstance, focus on our heavenly riches, be perfectly satisfied, receive mercy when we stumble, be bathed in peace, and walk in His presence and fellowship.

Persecution isn't desirable. It's painful, it causes us suffering, it often leaves us standing alone, it requires difficult choices, it brings fear, and it is heartbreaking. 

It is all those things but God, in His infinite love and grace, has given us the ability to stand in the face of the attacks we experience.

 We might not be joyful in suffering, but we can feel secure in God's promises.

Things might feel like they're falling apart, but we can stand on His firm foundation.

We might be terrified, but we can have faith in His presence.

We are clothed in Jesus and filled with the Holy Spirit. 

God is faithful, and He will keep His promises!

Therefore put on the full armor (promises) of God, so that when the day

 of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you 

have done everything, to stand. Ephesians 6:13

(Addition is mine.)

Please share how God has brought you through difficult days.